Washington Education Center (Pittsburgh) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Washington Education Center |
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| Address | |
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169 40th St.
, 15216
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| Information | |
| Type | Public |
| Established | September 1, 1937 |
| Closed | 2006 |
| School district | Pittsburgh Public Schools |
| Grades | 9–12 |
| Website | 40°28′10″N 79°57′46″W / 40.4695°N 79.9628°W |
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Washington Vocational School
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1908 |
| Architect | Charles W. Bier, Marion M. Steen |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian, Art Deco |
| Part of | Lawrenceville Historic District (ID100004020) |
| MPS | Pittsburgh Public Schools TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 86002715 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | September 30, 1986 |
| Designated CP | July 8, 2019 |
The Washington Education Center was once a special school in the Pittsburgh area of Lawrenceville. It was known as a vocational school, which means it taught students practical skills for jobs. You could find it at 40th Street and Eden Way.
Contents
History of Washington Education Center
The Washington Education Center has a long history. It was built on the same spot where Washington Elementary School used to be. That elementary school was open from 1868 until 1935.
Early Beginnings and Name
The first school on this site was called Washington Number One. It was named after George Washington and a famous event. This event was when he crossed the Allegheny River with Christopher Gist. There's even a special marker at the school to remember this important moment.
Building a New School
A new building was first put up in 1908. Then, in 1936, it was made much bigger to become the Washington Trade School. This new, larger building was designed by Charles W. Bier. It officially opened its doors on September 1, 1937.
What Students Learned There
From 1937 until the early 2000s, this school was a public vocational school. It was big enough for 900 students! Students could learn many different skills there. The school had special rooms like a testing lab and a bricklaying shop. There was also a print shop, a library, and two rooms for drafting (drawing plans). It even had a blueprint shop and a room for making copies. The school also had a large auditorium that could hold 384 people.
Important Visits and Events
The Washington Education Center was sometimes visited by important people. It also hosted students from around the world.
A Presidential Family Visit
On February 2, 1972, Julie Nixon Eisenhower visited the school. She is the daughter of former President Richard Nixon. She came to talk about a topic called "busing" during her father's campaign to be re-elected as president.
Welcoming International Students
In May 1972, students from many different countries came to visit the center. These students came from places like Brazil, Thailand, South Korea, Venezuela, Chile, Peru, Afghanistan, and Libya. It was a great chance for students to learn about different cultures.
School Closure and New Life
The school building is an important historical site. It has been given a special recognition.
National Historic Listing
The school building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. This means it's recognized as a place with special historical importance.
From School to Hotel
The building was used as a school until 2006. After it closed, it was sold. The new owners planned to turn it into a hotel. In 2019, it opened as the TRYP by Wyndham Pittsburgh/Lawrenceville. It now has 108 guest rooms and two restaurants.
